Various types of pests cause destruction and damages to crops and plants during seasons. Palm trees are also subject to this; pests can cause damages to the dates and affect the yield. Some of the common pests we encounter in the agricultural fields are:-

Aphids

Aphids are 1–3mm, soft-bodied insects that can be green, grey, or black. Most commonly seen in spring and autumn, aphids can be winged or wingless and are usually slow-moving. Aphids cluster on the tips of the shoots, sucking the sap from the plant, which reduces plant vigor. Aphids can also spread viruses which can severely reduce yields and quality.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are usually the larval stages of moths or butterflies. They are normally hairless, with a long cylindrical body from 10–50mm long and range in colour. Caterpillars may attack leaves, stems, flowers, fruits and roots.

Green caterpillars of the large cabbage white butterfly and the small diamond-back (cabbage) moth can severely damage the leaves of the Brassica family which includes broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower.

Cluster caterpillars, woolly bear caterpillars and lopper caterpillars will attack the leaves of most vegetables.

Cutworms

Cutworms hide in the soil by day and attack plants at night. They damage the stem of young seedlings at the base, causing the plant to collapse.

Grasshoppers and locusts

In some years, grasshoppers and locusts can appear in plagues in summer and are capable of destroying all plants.

Weevils

A few species of weevils are pests, such as the garden and vegetable weevils. At night the 10mm adults may attack stems and leaves of asparagus, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, peas, potatoes, rhubarb, silver beet and spinach are also subject to attack. The 12mm larvae may bore into the tubers of carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Snails and slugs

These molluscs can attack most crops and chew holes in leaves and kill seedlings. They are most active at night, especially in moist weather. Control is especially important in April and May when the adults lay eggs.

If you are encountering any of these pests and want to resolve this issue contact our sales team now, for a free inspection.